Pipe rack and lay-down trough



Nov. 1, 1960 A. P. RoBIsHAw 2,958,430

PIPE: RACK AND LAY-DOWN TROUGH Original Filed Jan. 4, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet l :i- IN VEN TGR.

F G. 4. y

ATTORNEYS Nov. 1, 1960 A. P. RoBlsHAw 2,958,430

PIPE RACK AND LAY-DOWN TROUGH Original Filed Jan. 4, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

' ALCES PAUL RoBlsHAw ATTORNEYS Nov. 1, 1960 A. P. RoBxsl-IAW PIPE RACK AND LAY-DOWN TROUGH 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Jan. 4, 1954 FIG.

FIG. 6.

ALcEs PAUL ROBISHAW INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS NOV- l, 1960 A. P. RoBlsHAw 2,958,430'

PIPE RACK AND LAY-DOWN TROUGH Original Filed Jan. 4, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENTOR. S ALCES PAUL ROBISHAW Nov. 1, 1960 A. P. ROBISHAW 2,958,430

PIPE RACK AND LAY-DOWN TROUGH ATTORN EYS Nov. 1, 1960 A. P. RoBlsHAw PIPE RACK AND LAY-DowN TROUGH Original Filed Jan. 4, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEYS United States 2,958,430 Patented Nov, 1, 1960 PIPE RACK AND LAY-DWN TROUGH Alces P. Robishaw, Houston, Tex., assignor to C. N. Housh, Houston, Tex.

Original application Jan. 4, 1954, Ser. No. 401,923,

now Patent No. 2,380,881, dated Apr. 7, 1959. Divided and this application Oct. 2, 1958, Ser. No.

This invention relates to` pipehandling apparatus and more particularly toa lay-down trough and pipe rack adapted for use in thehandling of pipe during the drilling of a well.

'I'his application is a division of my` copending application, Serial No. 401,923, filed January 4, 1954, now Patent No. 2,880,881, issued April 7, 1959.

During the drilling of oil or other deep wells it is frequently necessary to remove the drill string from the well. One manner ofhandlng the joints of pipe as they are broken out of the string is to place them on a horizontally disposed pipe rack which is positioned adjacent the derrick.

There is usually no special apparatus provided for transferring pipe to and from the derrick other than a skidway of planking or the like. When removing pipe from the Well, the pipe is taken out the open side of the derrick and skidded out on the skidway from whence it is transferred to the pipe rack. Usually the skidway and bed of the rack are at the same level andin forming all but the lower tier of pipe on the rack, the sections of pipe must be lifted manually from the skidway and placed on the stack which may be several tiers high. In the reverse operation pipe is rolled from the rack onto the skidway, a rig line is secured to one end of thepipe, and the pipe is pulled up into the derrick superstructure.

It is an object of this invention to provide simple, economical pipe handling apparatus in which pipe may be skidded to and from the derrick platform which will also transfer to or receive pipe from a pipe rack without the necessity of manually lifting the pipe.

This and other objects are accomplished, in accordance with the present invention, by pipe handling apparatus comprising an elongate frame adapted to have one end disposed near the platform, a pipe supporting rack on a side of the frame, a pipe trough extendinglongitudinally of the frame to support the length of a pipe when it is disposed substantially parallel thereto and support one end thereof as it is transferred between the platform and trough, and means for removing the pipe trough between upper and lower positions to transfer pipe from the trough to the rack and from the rack to the trough, respectively. More particularly,` in its upper position, the trough is above the bed of the rack to permit pipe to be rolled from the trough onto the rack without lifting the pipe, and, in its lower'position, the pipe is as low as the bed of the rack to permit pipe to be rolled from the rack onto the bed Preferably, the trough is tiltable about its longitudinal axis,` by means ofy a mechanism which is of simple andv rugged construction.

The ioor` ofthe ordinary drilling derriok is located some distanceabove the surface oftheY earth to provide room. for blowout.I preventers` and the like. Thus, it is desirable to.` provideV 'a'.pipe ramp between the derrick floor and the pipe trough to: assist in the transfer of pipe therebetweemA To facilitate placement of thee pipe trough adjacent a, derrick with` which` it? is tobe used, it is also desirable to have a ramp which will permitsome leeway in the positioning of the trough relatively to the derrick. When used with a vertically adjustable pipe trough, as contemplated by this invention, it is also desirable that the end of the ramp which is adjacent the pipe handling trough be vertically adjustable so as to be directly above the trough when the latter is in either its upper or lower positions.

Another object is to provide a pipe ramp for transferring pipe between a derrick floor and :a pipe trough which may be utilized with a vertically adjustable pipe trough.

Another object is to provide a pipe ramp of the character described which` may be utilized with avertically adjustable, tiltable pipe trough.

Another object is to provide a pipe trough and pipe ramp carried by a single frame in which the pipe ramp is mounted to permit leeway in positioning the pipe trough relative to the derrick with which it is to be used.

It would further be desirable to have these various pipe handling elements carried by a central framework to facilitate placement and adjustment, and it is a general object of this invention to provide a unitized, pipe handling trough, pipe ramp, and pipe rack..

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts and wherein there is shown by way of illustration one embodiment of this invention:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view of the pipe handling apparatus of this invention loaded on a float-type trailer;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the pipe handling apparatus of Fig. l partially unloaded from the truck;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the pipe handling apparatus of Fig. l in position adjacent a derrick, with the pipe ramp being extended by a rig line from the derrick and the catwalk being extended by a line from the trucks winch;

Fig. 4 is a drillers perspective from the derrick platform of the pipe handling apparatus of Fig. l with the sills of the pipe rack in various stages of extension and with the pipe trough in elevated position;

Fig. 5 is a top, plan view of the pipe handling apparatus of Fig. 1 with the sills of the pipe rack in various stages of extension;

Fig. 6 is a side view of a fragment of the pipe handling apparatus of this invention illustrating the ramp and its relationship with the lay-down trough and the derrick platform;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional Viewl through the elongate frame with the lay-down trough shown in raised position in solid lines and in lowered position in dotted lines, and illustrating certain details of the apparatus;

Fig. 8 is a view taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrow, with parts broken away for purposes of illustration, showing the lay-down trough in raised. position in solid lines and in lowered position in dotted lines;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section through thepipe trough with the pipe receiving platform shownin4 tilted position;

Fig. l0 is a wormS-eye view alongthe lines 10-10 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a` birds-eye view along the lines lil-10 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, plan view of a fragment of the apparatus illustrating the manner in which the sill sections` are retained in folds against the central frame;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged, perspective view further. illustrating theimanner in which the sections of a sillmay he retained in folds Fig. 14 is au enlarged, perspective view of the joint between adjacent sill sections; and

Fig. is an enlarged, exploded perspective of the joint of Fig. 14.

The apparatus in general includes a pipe rack and laydown pipe trough built around an elongate frame section generally indicated at 10, and whose length is substantially that of the bed of a conventional float-type trailer. The pipe rack comprises sills 11 which may be collapsed and folded against the elongate frame during transporting of the appanatus and quickly expanded on location to provide a storage rack. The lay-down pipe trough' 13 is carried on the top of the frame section and is pos1t1onable in a lowered position for transferring pipe from the pipe rack to the trough and in a raised position for transferring pipe from the trough to the rack. The trough is provided with a tiltable feature whereby it may be rotated or tilted about its longitudinal axis to discharge pipe from the trough when in its raised position. To facilitate transferring pipe between the derrick floor and the trough there is provided a pipe ramp 12 at one end of the frame section which when unfolded extends from the pipe trough to the derrick floor. A catwalk of planks 14 is provided on frame 10 along each side of the trough 13 and an extension 15 of this catwalk is hinged to the frame 10 at its end opposite the pipe ramp. Suitable stairs `and landing are also provided attached to the frame 10 as will hereinafter appear in more detail.

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the pipe rack proper, lay-down trough, pipe ramp and catwalk extension `are built around and carried by the elongate frame 10. The frame illustrated is substantially rectangular and includes a pair of spaced I-beams 16 extending the length of the frame to form a base therefor. A pipe 17 is positioned above and extends parallel to each I-beam 16 and is secured thereto by Vertical and diagonal bracing 18 (Fig. 8) to form a rigid truss member on each side of the frame 10. These truss members are held in spaced relation by upper and lower crossbeams 19 and 20, respectively. The lower crossbeams 20 support the lay-down trough when in its raised position upon toggle links which are pivoted to shackle-like hinge members 20a carried by crossbeams 20. The upper crossbeams 19 support Vthe lay-down trough in its lowered position Ias well as a catwalk of planking 14 arranged on each side of the lay-down trough. Y

Spaced along each side of the elongate frame are a plurality of supports for the pipe rack. These supports may be in the form of vertically disposed pipes or tubular members 21 welded or otherwise secured to the ends of upper and lower crossbeams 19 and 20. The exterior of pipes 21 provides pivots about which the sills of the pipe rack may be swung. Ball bearing `cups 22 located in the upper portion of pipes 21 support ball bearings 23 which in turn support sills 11 as will appear below.

Adjustable Supports for the elongate frame are provided by supporting columns 24 which are telescoped in pipes 21 and secured in the desired telescoping relationship by pins 23 which pass through one of a group of vertically spaced holes 21a in pipe 21 and matching holes through columns 24. The lower end of columns 24 are received in bearing plates 25 which distribute the load on each column over a large area lof the ground.

The elongate frame is provided at one end with suitable hinge ears 17a to which the catwalk extension 15 is hinged to allow it to be folded back over the top of the elongate frame las illustrated in Fig. 1.

The pipe rack includes a plurality of sills 11 which may be collapsed against the frame 10 during transporting, and extended laterally therefrom to form a support for pipe. Preferably, two groups of sills are used with one group extending from each side of the elongate frame, but it will be understood that `a single group might be used if desired. The two groups are preferred as this arrangement positions the lay-down trough 13 in the center of the two pipe supporting sections and hence closer to all parts of the rack.

The sills 11 include upper and lower structural beams 26 and 27, respectively, spaced from each other by vertical and diagonal bracing 28 in a mannerto form a rigid truss. As it is desired to fold the sills alongside the frame 10 in the space between adjacent pivot members 21, which is much shorter than the length of the sill, each sill is broken into sections 11a and the sections are hinged together by pairs of vertically spaced hinges to allow the sill to be collapsed in 'accordion folds. Preferably, there is also provided a latch which will maintain the sill sections in extended or folded position.

The preferred form of hinge and latch includes tongue and groove parts 29 and 30, respectively, carried on opposite ends of each sill section 11a. The sections are arranged with the tongue of one section extending into the groove of an adjacent sill section when the sill -is extended. A pin 31 is releasably received in registering holes 32 and 33 in the tongue and groove, respectively, and a pin 34 is releasably received in registering holes 35 and 36 in the tongue and groove, respectively. The two groups of registering holes are spaced horizontally from each other and pins 31 and 34 are interchangeably the hinge pin and the latch pin depending upon the direction in which the sections are swung in folding the sill. In order that the same latch parts may function to latch the sill sections in collapsed position, the distance between the holes in the tongue part 29 and the holes in the groove part 30 of each sill is identical. When the sill sections are arranged in folds the tongue and groove latch parts of adjacent sill sections will overlap and the latch pin may be inserted in the registering holes in the latch parts to retain the sections in folds, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. The end of the sill section which is to be pivoted to the frame 10 does not have a tongue 29 as it would interfere with pivoting of the sill. Instead there is provided an ear 37 to which the -adjacent sill section may be latched by pin 34.

Each of the sills 11 is mounted at one of its ends on the elongate frame 10 in a manner to permit the sill to be collapsed and arranged along one side of the frame. Preferably, this mounting is one which will permit swinging movement so that the sills may be folded against the side of the frame in accordion folds for transport and extended laterally therefrom to provide a pipe rack. It will be recalled that vertically disposed pivot pipes 21 are spaced along each side of frame 10. The end of a sill which is to be fastened to the frame is provided with a lower bearing collar 38 and an upper bearing cup 39. Collar 38 is received about the lower section of pivot pipe 21 and cap 39 lits over the upper end of pipe 21 and rests upon ball 23 which supports the sill for swinging movement about pivot pipe 21.

Each innermost sill section carries an ear 40 which overlaps an ear 41 on frame 10 when the sill is in transporting position and a pin is releasably received in registering holes in the ears to hold the folded sill against the frame.

As the sills 11 extend some distance from the frame 10 and the pipe to be stored thereon is very heavy, additional support should -be provided at spaced points along each sill. Preferably, these points coincide with the placement of the hinges so that each sill section will be supported at each of its ends. Such support may be provided by support columns 43 telescoped in receivers 44 and held in the desired telescoping relationship by pins 45 in registering holes in the columns and receivers. Columns 43 rest upon bearing plates 46. In addition to supporting the sills the support columns also serve to position the sills in their laterally extended position.

The sills are tied together at spaced points by diagonal bracing 47 which may be secured to the sill by any convenient means such as a hook and eye assembly as will be well understood by those skilled in the art. Diagonal bracing 47 will also serve to maintain the sills in extended position.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is provided a lay-down trough which may be positioned at a level as low as the bed of the pipe rack with which it is to be used, and which may be raised to a level above the bed of such pipe rack. When the trough is in its lowered position pipe may be rolled from the rack onto the trough without manually lifting the pipe. When the trough is in its raised position pipe may be rolled from the trough to the rack without manually lifting the pipe by tilting the trough.

Lay-down trough 13 extends lengthwise of the frame and has a base 48 supporting the pipe receiving platform 49. Inverted angle irons 5t) and 51 are welded or otherwise secured to the upper face of platform 49 to provide side walls therefor. It will be noted that the adjacent legs of angle irons 50 and 51 diverge from platform 49 and will not impede the discharge of pipe from the trough when the platform is tilted.

Platform -49 is positioned on -base 48 by a pivot arrangement to allow the platform to be tilted to discharge pipe. Base 48 is provided with laterally extending ears 52 spaced 'along both of its sides, and platform 49 has ears 53 depending therefrom which are spaced apart to receive the base therebetween. Ears 53 are also spaced along the platform in side-by-side association with the ears on the base. Registering holes in ears 52 and 53 receive pivot pins 54. Usually pins 54 will be positioned in the ears along one side of the trough so that the platform may be tilted about these pins to discharge pipe. Pipe may be discharged to either side of the trough depending upon the placement of pivot pins 54.

Trough 13` may be positioned level with the catwalk 114 or it may be raised to a position some distance above the catwalk. This positioning means includes a plurality of links 55 which are pivoted to the lower crossbeam 20 of the frame by pins 56 and to the trough base 48 by pins 57. Links 55A are of equal length so that the lay-down trough will be horizontal at all times. In the structure illustrated links 55 are vertical` when the trough is in raised position and la pin 58 may be inserted in registering holes in a frame crossbeam 19 and an angle piece 59 carried by an adjacent link to hold the trough in raised position (Fig. 8). When the trough is in lowered position base 48 rests upon upper crossbeams 19 of the frame 10 and is supported thereby.

As pointed out above the pipe receiving platform 49 is tiltable to facilitate the discharge of pipe and in accordance with this invention there is provided a simple, rugged means for tilting the platform to either side, with the direction of tilt being determined by the positioning of pivot pins 54. The tilting mechanism can be a link depending from the nether side of platform 49 and extending throu-gh the base 48 whereby raising of the link will tilt the platform. In the tilting mechanism illustrated a section of the top of base 4S is cut out as `at 60 and a slotway or guide 61 is cut in the bottom of the base directly below `cut-out 60. A link 62 extends through guide 61' and is pivoted to ears 63 on the nether side` of` platform 48- by a pivot pin 64. Link 62` extends some distance below base 48 in order that it may be engaged by a lifting bar 65.

The tilting mechanism is located directly above one of the trough supporting links 55 and a pair of spaced fulcrum members 66 are carried on both sides of this link 55.

The tilting bar y65 is forked on one end and has a crossbar 68 extending between the tines 67 of the fork. Crossbar 68 is received in slots 69 in fulcrum members 66, and the tines of the yfork pass to either side of link 55 to engage the tilting link 62. Tines 67 are provided with slots 70 which receive tilting link 62 to prevent it from sliding along bar 65 during raising of the tilting link. Rotation of bar 65 `around fulcrum members 66 will raise link 62, which in turn will tilt platform 49 to discharge pipe therefrom. By providing fulcrum members 66 on both sides of link 55, bar 65 may be operated from either side of the trough dependingupon the direction in which the trough is to be tilted.

When transferring pipe lfrom trough 13 in its raised position to the sills 11, itis preferred to extend side ramps 71 from the trough to the top tier of pipe on the rack. Ramps 71 carry at one of their ends a crossbar 72, which is received in one of fulcrum members 66. The other end of ramps 71 may be formed with a substantially half-circle cut-out 73 to lt` about a pipe on the rack ras illustrated in Fig. 7. Preferably, members 66 are provided oneach link 55 `so that there may be employed a plurality of side ramps 71.

Referring now to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a ramp and a removable extension therefor which extends from a point adjacent the turntable of the derrick to the laydown trough 13. Preferably, the ramp proper terminates at the edge ofthe derrick platform so as not. to interfere with normal drilling operations. It is also preferred that the ramp be permanently secured to frame 10 so that it may simply be folded over the frame for transport and folded out to engage the derrick platform. Ramp 12 is carried by the central frame 10 ona sliding pivot to permit slight leeway in positioning the frame adjacent the derrick. The sliding pivot is provided by two collars 74; one about each upper frame member 17 and slidable therealong between the endmost vertical and diagonal braces 18. Collars 74 will slide along frame members 17 and ramp frame 76y will rotate about pivots 77 to permit the desired leeway. in positioning frame 10 relative to the-derrick. Once in position ramp frame 76 may be welded, spiked or otherwise secured to the derrick platform.

The trough 78 of ramp 12 is hinged tothe trough frame at itsfree end and may be raised or lowered with laydown trough 13. Preferably, there is provided a support 79 for trough 78 to maintain the ramp trough 78 above the lay-down trough 1.3 when the latter is in its raised position to prevent the ramp trough from interfering with the tilting mechanism. Support. 79 may be releasably secured between ramp frame` 76 and trough 78 in any desired manner.

Ramp trough 78 may be continuedon the derrick platform by an extension 83 which has one end releasably secured to the platform adjacent trough 78 and the other end raised above the platform on support 84, A roller 85 at the raised end of the` extension reduces friction-between a pipe and the. troughs when the pipe is released by the traveling block. This extension will usually be removed during normal drilling operations so as not to obstruct the drilling platform.

Ramp 12 carries a catwalk 80 and a stairway y81. A removable handrail 82 may betsecured to the ramp, if desired. A landing 86 is carried by the frame at the foot of stairway 81 and a second stairway 87 leads from the catwalk to the ground. Landing 86 and stairway 87 are carried on the centralframe by vertical pivots and swing under the catwalk during transport.

As the lay-down trough in its raised position projects over the end of frame 10, there is provided a catwalk extension 15 hinged to the frame at 25. llf desired, extension 15 may have a trough extension 86 which is in line with a forms a continuation of trough 13 when the latter is in its lower position.

The rst step in the erection of the apparatus is to set a wooden sill 88 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catwalk and in proper position on the open side of the derrick. The loaded truck is then backed into position as shown in Fig. l and the apparatus is pulled back on the trailer bed and the derrick end of the frame comes to rest on the wooden sill. As the trailer ymoves forward the apparatus is unloaded by its own weight. As the outer end of the frame clears the trailer, it is lowered slowly by the winch line from the tractor.

Bearing plates are set in position and support columns 24 are set at the proper elevation by pins 23.

The catwalk extension is folded back by means of the winch line from the truck and a rig line from the derrick is used to extend the ramp 12 to the derrick platform.

Pins 42 whichhold the sills 11 to the frame 10` are removed and the sills folded out until ears 37 strike stops 89. The rst sections are supported by their bearing plates and adjustable columns. The latch pins are then removed and the remaining sections of the sills are extended and latched in position. As the sections are extended diagonal bracing 47 is attached between the sills. After the bracing is in position the remaining support columns may be dropped from their nest in receivers 44 and secured in the proper telescoping relationship.

Handrail 82 is secured in place, and landing 86 and stairway 87 pivoted out into position.

From the above it will be seen that there has been provided a sturdy structural unit that can be erected on uneven ground in a few minutes. All the features and equipment necessary `for supporting and handling drill pipe, casing, and tubing are incorporated in the unit.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will berunderstood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated lby and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having been described, what is claimed is:

1. Pipe handling apparatus, comprising an elongate frame, a pipe-supporting rack on a side of the frame, a pipe trough on the frame, and means for alternately positioning the trough with respect to the rack at upper and lower positions to transfer pipe from the trough to the rack and from the rack to the trough, respectively, said trough extending longitudinally of the frame to support the length of a pipe when it is disposed substantially parallel thereto and support one end thereof when the pipe is disposed angularly of the trough.

2. Pipe handling apparatus, comprising an elongate frame adapted to have one end disposed near a raised platform, a pipe-supporting rack on a side of the frame, a pipe trough extending longitudinally of the frame to support the length of `a pipe when it is disposed substantially parallel thereto and support one end thereof as it is transferred between the platform and trough, and means for positioning the pipe trough above the bed of the rack topermit pipe to be rolled from the trough onto the rack without lifting the pipe and as lowas the bed of the rack to permit pipe to be rolled from the rack onto the trough.

3. Pipe handling4 apparatus, comprising an elongate frame adapted to have one end disposed near a platform, a pipe trough on the frame, a pipe ramp having a free end for securement to the platform to guide a pipe during transfer between the platform and trough, and means carrying the ramp at one end of the iframe for pivoting `a-bout an axis transverse to the frame and sliding in a direction longitudinally thereof, so as to permit leeway in positioning the frame relative to the platform.

4. Pipe handling apparatus, comprising an elongate frame adapted to have one end disposed near a platform, a pipe trough on the frame, collars longitudinally slidable along one end of the iframe, and a pipe ramp pivotally connected to the collars for swinging about an axis transverse to the frame into a position for securing its free end to the platform.

5. Pipe handling apparatus, comprising an elongate frame adapted to have one end disposed near -a platform, a pipe trough on the frame, means for positioning the trough at upper and lower levels for transferring pipe to and from a rack to one side of the iframe, and a ramp carried -at one end of the frame and securable at its free end to the platform to guide pipe between the platform and trough on the frame, said ramp including a trough swingable about an axis transverse to the frame to dispose an end thereof in a desired Vertical position with respect to the trough on the frame.

6. Pipe handling `apparatus of the character defined in claim 5, including means for tilting the trough on the frame about a longitudinal axis to facilitate the transfer of pipe from the trough to the rack, and means for maintaining the end of the ramp trough ata level slightly above the trough on the frame to permit the trough on the frame to be tilted when in its upper position.

7. Pipe handling apparatus, comprising an elongate frame, a pipe trough on the frame, said pipe trough including an elongate base member having laterally extending ears spaced `along both of its ends, a pipe receiving platform supported above the base member and extending longitudinally thereof, ears depending from the platform on both sides of the base member, the ears in the base member `and platform having registering holes therein, and pivot pins received in the registering holes on one side of the lbase member, and means for raising the platform with respect to the base member to tilt said platform about said pins.

8. Pipe handling apparatus of the character defined in claim 7, wherein said means comprises a link depending from the platform intermediate the ears thereon and extending through the base member, and a lifting bar pivotally connected with respect to the base member'for raising and lowering the link.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

